Argentino Mendoza Malbec

Dense dark Ruby, almost black - impenetrable. Full bodied with M plus intensity bordering on profound. Cassis, blackberry, a touch of black raspberry and mocha on nose and palate. Palate a little self contained and latent needing more time in the cellar. Fluid tannins with great persistence of flavour. This is Catena Zapata’s premium Cuvée “Argentino “ - showing its premium status at 16 years of age.

The 2019 Malbec Argentino is a blend of grapes from venerable vineyards in Lunlunta and Paraje Altamira; it is essentially a premium Mendoza Malbec. A significant amount was fermented in whole bunches before spending 18 months in used French barrels. The complex nose presents notes of plum and blueberry with hints of country herb, jarilla and pennyroyal over a bed of sour cherry and cedar. There is a whiff of lavender perfume. The fine tannins act as a net that shapes rather than structures the volume. It has good energy and elasticity with grip, juicy freshness and a complex layer of fruit appearing at the back of the mouth. The 2019 is an accomplished wine in a year that allowed for nuance and freshness. (Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous, November 2021)

Purple black in colour. Blueberry, Chocolate and Cocoa. Big rich ripe and concentrated with plenty of extract. Black and blue fruits - plum and blueberry on the palate. Full bodied with medium plus intensity. Generous in flavour without being too heavy. Reminiscent of Cheval des Andes in that respect. Points off for an overly heavy bottle.

medium ruby, prominent glass staining tears; blackberry, bitter dark chocolate, violets, herbs; sappy red berry fruit, long finish; full bodied, medium+ acidity, surprising tannic grip, medium grained, 14% ABV; made from 100% Malbec sourced from granitic soil blocks of Catena Zapata’s two historic vineyards Adrianna (Gualtallary) and Nicasia (Altamira) in the Uco valley

(made from old vines in La Consulta and Lunlunta): Bright medium red. Knockout nose combines black fruits, licorice, minerals and savory soil tones. Compellingly intense and alive in the mouth, conveying terrific sappy energy and cut as well as a distinct creaminess to its dark berry and dark chocolate flavors. I love the combination of sweet and salty elements here. Still quite unevolved but the very ripe, subtle, rising finish and mature tannins suggest that this wine will evolve positively for another decade. This was aged in all-new 2,000-liter oak ovals, mostly from Stockinger. It has more stuffing than the 2016 but will it offer as much complexity in the long run? (One of the two sources for this fruit, the Angelica vineyard, actually includes a bit of Sémillon, which is co-fermented with the old-vines Malbec.) (Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, July 2018)

On the nose, very dark currants, ripe & ruby; blackberries, black plum, black raspberries, black cherries, sweet tarry notes, black licorice, good soft baking spices, nice loamy dry soils, rich dark earth, stems, fields dark lavender and violets.

On the palate; the body is thick, rich and full. The tannins are beautifully rounded and velvety. Dark currants/cassis; ripe & ruby; blackberries, black plum, black raspberries, black cherries, sweet tarry notes, black licorice, good soft baking spices, suede leather, saddle-wood, nice loamy dry soils, rich dark earth, stems, fields dark lavender and violets. The structure, tension, length and balance is in great harmony. Beautiful round acidity and a ripe, ruby, rich, elegant, polished finish that lasts & lasts.

Photos of; Catena Zapata, lounge in the lobby, barrel room and the view of their Estate vines and the Andes Mountains in the background.

Perfeito

Malbec par excellence- dark well balanced long long

Loved this producer's wines. #top100tasting

Still alive with pretty blue, black, and red fruit. Dominated by umami with strong notes of mushroom, soy sauce, and dried seaweed. The nose and palate were very subtle. This lacked the power and structure to live much longer. #malbec #argentina #catenazapata #francismallmann #elgarzon